You are awesome. We are thankful. Here’s why.

As we welcomed in 2020, what a beginning to the year it was. We’ve seen vast geographic areas of our beautiful nation’s land mass razed to the ground, total devastation of wildlife, thousands of homes destroyed, and 33 people tragically losing their lives.

Australia experienced its hottest year on record in 2019 as well as its driest ever year, creating the perfect conditions for the most devastating bushfire season we have ever witnessed.

Scientists believe that 2019 was a standout year in Australia for the formation of extreme bushfires that coupled with the atmosphere, generated its own lightning and strong, unpredictable winds. Rainfall was replaced with blackened embers, covering our cities, towns and beautiful country with thick hazardous smog.

Yet amidst the tragedy, we’ve seen the best of Australians. Australians, and many people from around the globe dug deep for this crisis. You have donated generously, and we wish for you to know that all the charities Good2Give works with are the best placed to help with the bushfire relief across the country. These organisations have decades of experiences in coordinating responses and crucially, they have capacity to help communities rebuild after the disaster has passed.

It is important that charities clearly communicate their impact and are specific about the projects they are tackling and how donations are helping. The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and the Australian Red Cross have sent us their commitments to share with you. And we can assure you that all the other charities we work with, whilst they may not be quick to issue PR or media statements or update their websites, are busy working on the ground with the people that need them most.

In the past couple of weeks, I have spoken to several journalists and been interviewed for radio programs to explain the vital role that charities play in a crisis such as the bushfires. You can listen to my interview with David Claughton on his Country Hour Show (ABC Illawarra) below.

To all the businesses out there that have set up appeals, matched employee donations, encouraged customers to give, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And not only for the financial support, but for the work you are doing supporting charities and affected communities in other ways. We are immensely proud to know that we are working with some incredible partners.

Many people affected by the bushfires will struggle in the coming months and the recovery will take years. That is why it is so important to consider an ongoing donation pledge to any charity who is supporting the bushfire relief efforts, if you can.

Thank you for helping our communities get back on their feet. And thank you for your continued support.